What is your role and what does your work focus on?
I am a Media Advisor and work with my hugely talented colleagues in the University’s media team. Our goal is to raise awareness of Flinders, its teaching and its research by promoting the University’s experts and achievements to the media, and through online and social platforms.
Part of my role is to help MPH researchers connect their work to all media outlets – in print, television, radio and online mediums – to raise awareness of the College’s achievements and to promote its subject matter experts. So I would love to hear from researchers about their upcoming/new research, new grants, or those who have a compelling opinion on something topical in the news, that I might be able to develop into a story and maximise media and promotional opportunities.
Where did you work and / or study before joining CMPH / Flinders?
Immediately prior to joining Flinders I was working freelance for a brand, marketing and digital consultancy, as well as managing CALHN’s Rural Surgical program.
What journey brought you to this point in your career?
A very long one – 16,290kms to be exact! I’m originally from the UK where (many years ago) I completed a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at The University of Leicester. I always knew I wanted to work with words, I just wasn’t sure in what capacity. Very early on in my career I was lucky enough to get a foot in the door at the BBC in London working as a publicist and the rest, as they say, is history. Fast forward to present day and I’m a public relations and communications practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience.
What is something you love most about your work?
Seeing a story placed in the media after all the work that’s gone into it. There’s usually a lot of time and effort that goes into preparing a story, drafting up a media release, pitching it to media and getting it across the line to be placed. Our work is organic (not paid for like an advert) so when a story runs it’s really satisfying, and you feel a great sense of accomplishment. As a relative newbie to Flinders University, it has been fascinating to learn about the quantity and calibre of research coming out of the University and finding ways in which to share it with the world. I also love the Bedford Park campus and being able to work alongside a great bunch of people.
How do you like to relax or spend your spare time?
Walking our dogs, Fred and Alfie (usually whilst listening to a podcast), horse riding (when I get the chance), spending time with family and friends. As a communicator by profession, it’s probably no surprise that in my personal life I love all things TV, movies and books. My guilty pleasure is reality TV, which I tell myself is down to the psychological aspects of it…
